NASA damage...

[frankthetank]

I haven't seen anything posted yet about this...seems they took some damage...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5926976/

[ericinmia]

Damn that sucks

I can't believe with millions and millions of dollars they haen't fixed up building they stated they knew had problems, that were built in the 1960's
what a shame!
-Eric

[frankthetank]

just imagine what a cat 3-4 Frances would have done....they might to take a hard look at these facilities for future storms...

[Sean in New Orleans]

They should up the standards of these structures while they are making repairs. Those buildings house some of our country's most expensive hardware. I can't believe that NASA suffered so much damage being this far from the center. What would have happened if the center went directly overhead.

[caribepr]

I remember going to the VAB when my Dad worked there in the Apollo days. It seemed way too huge and strong for any strong weather to touch it - but I guess that WAS a *few* years ago

[spaceisland]

Here is a good overview of what is known so far:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/09/0 ... ances.cnn/

Most of my friends work at KSC, and it looks like the tile manufacturing plant is the biggest mess. The administration knew before Charley that tha VAB fasteners were getting rusty. Fortunately, the only things in the VAB during the storm were two external fuel tanks. If Ivan comes, even as a rain event, the problem will certainly be compounded.

[inotherwords]

Isn't it also true that the taller a building is, the higher the winds? So if the winds were 80 with gusts of 100, I'd think the enormous vehicle assembly building would have received some incredibly strong winds at the top of it.

[Windsong]

Except for the launch faciility itself, the buildings at NASA, including the VAB are only built to withstand CAT 3 winds. This is a disaster waiting to happen.

[Roxy]

we got lucky, this time. I suspect the Return to Flight will slide once again.

[otowntiger]

They should up the standards of these structures while they are making repairs. Those buildings house some of our country's most expensive hardware. I can't believe that NASA suffered so much damage being this far from the center. What would have happened if the center went directly overhead.

I was surprised that they had that much damage too. But they were closest to the highest gust of wind reported during the entire storm, 124mph at Port Canaveral. Southern and Central Brevard sustained every bit as much wind and related damage as anyone up and down the coast. I know it seems that South Florida is always getting the coverage but stuff happens up this way too.